The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide for 2022

If you’re like us, finding the right gear to EDC for yourself is hard enough. Trying to find the perfect holiday gift for another like-minded EDCer can be a daunting, if not utterly exhausting task. How do you pick something they’ll appreciate, actually use, and be proud to carry? We’re here to help. We’ve broken down 30 gift ideas for every kind of EDCer on your list.

The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts for the Tactical EDCer

Heavy-duty gifts for those who need extra-reliable, extra-tough gear.

1. Mystery Ranch Blitz 30: This new pack from Mystery Ranch takes elements from many of their popular tactical packs and gives your giftee a ton of options for organization and modularity. From a laptop sleeve to plenty of external storage to a healthy heaping of PALS webbing, this bag will be ready for anything they can throw at (or in) it.
2. Modlite PLHv2-18350 Flashlight: Modlite is one of the premier tactical light makers and their handheld flashlights are built on simplicity and reliability. What the PLHv2 “lacks” in features it more than makes up for in performance and build quality, and will be a light they can rely on in an emergency. You have a choice between two output types, colors, and sizes as the perfect tactical flashlight gift.
3. Snakestaff Systems Everyday Tourniquet: The ETQ is a new player in the tourniquet space offering a unique and super-compact take on carrying an essential tourniquet. It’s a great size for storage and EDC, but be sure you or your giftee test and assess if it’s the best option for your trauma kit.
4. Magpul DAKA Utility Organizer: The DAKA Utility Organizer is the latest and greatest showcase of Magpul’s mastery over polymer products, and gives the EDCer on your list a seriously robust organization solution. It’s durable and semi-rigid while being weather-resistant enough to take on their next adventure.
5. Tactica K100 Knife: The K100 is the latest product from creative multi-tool maker Tactica, and ticks all the boxes for a solid hardworking knife. A 2.9″ reverse tanto blade in D2 with PVC coating, machined G-10 handles, a lanyard hole and accent thumb stud, and an attractive, affordable price is a great option for your giftee. There are even 4 styles to best match their stealthy carry.

Gifts for the Outdoorsy EDCer

Stay on point with these picks while wandering off the beaten path.

1. Prometheus Design Werx All Terrain Pack 24L: Gift them peace of mind knowing that their most crucial gear will stay safe and dry with this overengineered waterproof backpack. The PDW All Terrain Pack offers an ample 24L of storage in a feature-packed, IPX7-rated waterproof design with top-notch materials throughout.
2. Timex Expedition North Titanium Automatic Watch: Their best adventures call for a timepiece as tough as they are. With its reliable automatic movement housed in a 41mm titanium case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and highly legible field watch styling that looks great on and off the trail, the Expedition North from Timex is as tough as it gets.
3. Hayvenhurst Axe Multi-tool: Make sure the person on your list is prepared for the great outdoors with this multi-functional hatchet from Hayvenhurst. It combines 10 common survival tools in 1 convenient, easy-to-carry design to make quick work of the task at hand, recreation, and survival situations alike.
4. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: The LifeStraw Peak Series personal water filter is a great gift for serious adventurers who know proper hydration can make all the difference in an emergency. It’s durable and lightweight so they can toss it in their pack or survival kit, and protects against 99.99% of bacteria and parasites thanks to its high-performance microfilter.
5. Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp: If the adventurer on your list loves to pack light and count grams, this ultralight headlamp will brighten their holiday. The Nitecore NU25 UL boasts a 400 lumen output, three useful types of light sources for outdoor activities, ranged and wide beam options, all while measuring in at just 1.59 ounces.

Gifts for the Active EDCer

Essentials to help jumpstart a healthier and more active lifestyle.

1. Nitecore UT05 Running Light: Don’t let your loved ones run in the danger of darkness, and check out Nitecore’s super-bright belt light. It’s got 400 lumens for over 5 hours packed into a weather-resistant IP68-rated belt system, which even terminates in a convenient USB-A plug for ease of charging.
2. Hill People Gear Runner’s Kit Bag: Heavy pockets with loose gear isn’t ideal for demanding activities, so a hands-free kit bag keeps their gear close and accessible by putting it front, center, and organized. The two-part harness system makes it a comfortable wear, and they have a choice of three sizes and a variety of materials to fit their needs in the backcountry.
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: Apple’s upgrade to the AirPod Pros comes with useful new features for the active EDCer, including a best-in-class Transparency mode that lets them pump out the tunes while still being able to hear their surroundings, and allowing full control of their music all through haptic touch on the AirPods themselves. They’ll appreciate the gift of sound from the gym to the daily commute straight through to the weekend.
4. Yeti Yonder Water Bottle: Every ounce matters on the hike and Yeti’s new Yonder bottle is their lightest yet. At 750 mL/25 oz or 1L/34 oz it has plenty of capacity for the longest treks, and your giftee will appreciate the shatter-resistant plastic body that makes it an ideal outdoor hydration companion.
5. Apple Watch Ultra: Apple’s Ultra smartwatch is one of the most advanced fitness trackers out there and would be a killer gift for the active EDCer on your list. With an EDC-approved 49mm titanium case and sapphire glass, up to 60 hours of battery life, and state-of-the-art GPS, statistics, and emergency features, it’s definitely worth a spot on their wrist, whatever their activity.

Gifts for the Traveler EDCer

Must-have essentials to make every trip feel like first class for the traveler in your life.

1. The Ridge Land & Sea GMT Watch: The Ridge Land & Sea GMT watch is hard to beat for those who travel in style. You can track up to three time zones thanks to its 24-hour rotating bezel, and the 316L stainless steel case and matching bracelet mean it can take a beating. If you’re not a bracelet fan, it also comes with a rubber strap that is perfect whether you’re on a business trip or lounging poolside. This watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters and has a sapphire crystal, so you don’t have to baby it.
2. Snow Peak Collapsible Coffee Drip: But first, coffee. Exploring a new country or city should be exciting, but starting the day without a good cup of coffee can really dampen the vibes. If you’re not a fan of cheap hotel coffee machines or are backpacking through a more remote location, the Snow Peak collapsible coffee drip should go wherever you do. Not only can you be confident that you’ll get a consistent, quality cup of pour-over wherever life takes you but it’ll give you a chance to try local coffees if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Bellroy Apex Passport Cover: If you spend a lot of time traveling internationally, there are better places to stash your passport than in your pockets or at the bottom of your daypack. That’s where the Bellroy Apex passport cover comes in. It protects your passport from harm and can hold up to 4 credit cards and the included micro pen. Plus, the premium leather build will patina nicely over time to match your travel experience.
4. Aer Go Collection 2022: The Aer Go Collection is perfect for staying organized while traveling. Whether you need a duffel for your next weekend trip or a daypack or sling for when you reach your destination, the combination of clever internal organization, sleek design, and durable build materials make any of these a great option. The company has a track record of making quality bags that many in the EDC community swear by, and the second-generation Go Collection is no exception.
5. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack: A suitcase or larger bag is essential if you spend time switching between planes, trains, and automobiles. Still, once you reach your final destination, a lighter, less cumbersome bag can be preferable. The 18L Osprey Ultralight is a comfortable daypack that packs down into a carrying case so small you can fit it in your pocket. Besides the main compartment for your gear, it also has an elastic side pocket perfect for carrying a water bottle while exploring a new city or countryside.

Gifts for the Professional EDCer

Premium and elegant tools for an executive daily carry that makes a statement.

1. Tactile Turn Slim Side Click Pen: Appearances matter in the office, and how you sign official documents can leave a lasting impact. But if you notice someone important in your life signing their life away with a cheap disposable pen, you might want to give them the gift of an upgrade. Tactile Turn’s Slim Side Click Pen features a precision-machined aluminum body, a smooth click-and-release action, and a quality ink refill that will blow inferior pens out of the water. Plus this holiday season, there’s a special limited edition of this pen that will truly make it a one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season.
2. Hobonichi Techo Weeks Planner: Gifting the Hobonichi Techo Weeks gives someone in your life the ability to organize dates, appointments, and notes all in one durable pocketable notebook made expressly for the task. The design of the Techo Weeks is made for quick access, faster sometimes even than pulling out your phone and waiting for an app to load. And the special ultra-thin Japanese paper used in this weekly planner is especially well-suited if the person you have in mind EDCs a fountain pen, because it won’t bleed through or feather-like cheaper paper will on standard notebooks and journals.
3. Mission Workshop Khyte VX Messenger Bag: Being a professional in this modern day and age calls for a touch of modernity in your everyday carry. The Mission Workshop Khyte will deliver this as a gift in spades, It features VX-21X-Pac diamond ripstop fabric that’s highly tear- and weather-resistant while being orders of magnitude lighter than a traditional leather office messenger bag. It’s also made for EDC electronic essentials with a smartphone pocket and a dedicated zippered laptop compartment. The magnetic Fidlock buckles are also way easier to use while also being more secure than a standard button or clasp.
4. The Ridge Beveled Ring Sets: If your better half is the type of person who’s impossible to gift shop for, why not surprise them with a durable and stylish set of wedding bands? The Ridge Beveled Ring Set comes with both a functional metal wedding band for a sharp, modern look that’s perfect for the office, as well as a comfortable, high-quality silicone band to wear anywhere from the gym to the jobsite. Whether it’s for work or for play, they’ve got a ring for life.
5. CIVIVI Ostap Knife: Even an office worker has a need for a quality EDC knife, but you probably want to give something that doesn’t exude too much tacticool energy when business casual is what’s called for. The CIVIVI Ostap has all the bases covered with minimalist white G-10 Handle scales and a 2.5″ long utility-style folding blade that’s reminiscent of a Japanese kiridashi in shape and form. This makes it great for opening boxes and letters every day, without drawing too much undue attention in the office.

Gifts for the Techy EDCer

Smart picks to power up the gadget and tech lover’s kit.

1. Apple iPad mini 6th Generation: With its “not too big, not too small” 8.3″ screen size, the Apple iPad mini’s versatility makes it an absolute must-have in every techie’s arsenal. From watching shows and reading books to taking down grocery lists and looking up recipes, it’s a great, portable device that’s easy to bring around and use no matter where you are.
2. soundcore Liberty 4 True Wireless Headphones: The music lover in your life will appreciate all the advanced tech found in the Liberty 4s. It’s got two dynamic drivers providing deep bass and sparkling treble across a wide frequency range, a built-in gyroscope for head tracking and 360-degree spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, and even heart rate tracking thrown in for a complete feature set all in a tiny, portable package.
3. Huckberry X-Pac Tech Pouch: If there’s one thing every techie needs, it’s a convenient way to store all their gadgets and accessories while on the go. The Tech Pouch from Huckberry and Peak Design is made from X-Pac fabric for rugged dependability and features an organized interior with elastic accessory loops and pockets, perfect for keeping sensitive tech safe and protected in any environment.
4. NuPhy Air60 Portable Wireless Keyboard: When it’s time to get some work done, the NuPhy Air60 Portable Wireless Keyboard is a sleek and portable companion to any tablet, laptop, or even desktop. Its 60% layout keeps things compact, and its low-profile Gateron mechanical switches and colorful key caps make typing satisfying and fun. It features a battery life of over 48 hours, which is more than enough to get anyone through the week.
5. The Ridge Wallet with AirTag Clip:  We’ve had the Ridge Wallet at the top of our Christmas lists for a good reason—its use of premium, durable materials combined with rock-solid craftsmanship is second to none. Slip in an Apple AirTag in the AirTag Clip and you’ll never have to worry about losing your wallet ever again. That’s the kind of peace of mind your recipient will always thank you for.

Need even more gift ideas? Check out our picks for last year’s holiday gift guide!